Friday, 25 September 2015

Meet the 105 Year Old Sprinter Who Just Set a 100 Metre World Record... in 42.22 Seconds

He's no spring chicken, but the world's oldest competitive sprinter has proved he still has plenty of spring in his step.

Japanese centenarian Hidekichi Miyazaki set a new record on Thursday as the world's oldest competitive sprinter, one day after turning 105

Sporting a bright red T-shirt and running shorts, the veteran athlete collected a Guinness World Recordin the 100 metres sprint in an over-80s athletics meet on Thursday in Kyoto, western Japan.

Miyazaki clocked 42.22 seconds, – 32.64 seconds slower than the world's fastest sprinter Usain Bolt's world record, but faster than any one else his age.

'Today my target was 35 seconds,' Hidekichi said to reporters after completing his heat and being greeted by his great-grandchildren.

'I shed tears of disappointment because I was not in good condition. I am not satisfied with today's time. But I am satisfied that I could cross the finish line.'

After crossing the line the veteran athlete celebrated with the iconic lightning bolt pose of the world number one, a tradition which has earned him the nickname 'Golden Bolt.'

Bolt even commended Miyazaki on Twitter, posting a picture of the athlete with the following message:

'S/o to 105 year old Hidekichi Miyazaki of Japan who holds the record for the oldest sprinter to compete over 100m.'

The veteran athlete even subtly challenged the after the Jamaican Olympic gold medallist to a race, with TMZ reporting his agent said he is up to the challenge: 'Usain would be delighted to accept the challenge and meet Mr. Miyazaki the next time he is in Japan.'

When asked about the secret to his success, the 'Golden Bolt' said he exercised daily and ate in moderation.

'The doctors are all surprised. It's all about being in good health,' he told reporters.

Born in 1910, Miyazaki did not start running until he reached his 90s, when many of the friends whom he played the Japanese board game 'Go' began passed away.

Hidekichi had previously set the record on two occasions, first in 2013 at the ripe age of 103, then last year at 104.

He told reporters he is now training for the upcoming Masters Athletics event in Gifu, central Japan.